Dear Baby

We had high hopes for Everly’s first visit with Santa. We dressed her like Cindy Loo Who.  We sang along to Christmas songs in the car on the ride to the mall. We met up with Natasha and Scotty and an equally festively-dressed little Mylah.

I had scoped out every mall santa in the triangle trying to determine which would look the most like he stepped out of a Norman Rockwell painting or Classic Coca Cola advertisement. We set our sights on the one at Cary Towne Center and waited in line with other parents and little ones for our turn on the big guy’s lap.

We hoped that Brent’s months of having a beard would work in Everly’s favor but she let out a wail the minute we plopped her down. Brent and I both tried to reassure her (In the photo above, they had to crop me out as I’m standing about two feet away going “It’s ok Everly! Santa is a nice man!”)

We get a good laugh every time we look at her official first Santa photo. I especially love that despite Everly’s mouth-open crying protest, Santa looks so serene and happy - it’s as if he’s thinking, “Ah, aren’t screaming children so delightful!” His expression is just proof that we picked the right Santa for the job!

Love,

M